to put absolutely out of existence. As
far as our knowledge goes, matter is never _annihilated_, but only
changes its form. Some believe that the wicked will be _annihilated_.
_Abolish_ is not said of laws. There we use _repeal_, _abrogate_,
_nullify_, etc.: _repeal_ by the enacting body, _nullify_ by
revolutionary proceedings; a later statute _abrogates_, without formally
_repealing_, any earlier law with which it conflicts. An appellate court
may _reverse_ or _set aside_ the decision of an inferior court.
_Overthrow_ may be used in either a good or a bad sense; _suppress_ is
commonly in a good, _subvert_ always in a bad sense; as, to _subvert_
our liberties; to _suppress_ a rebellion. The law _prohibits_ what may
never have existed; it _abolishes_ an existing evil. We _abate_ a
nuisance, _terminate_ a controversy. Compare CANCEL; DEMOLISH;
EXTERMINATE.
Antonyms:
authorize, establish, reinstate, revive,
cherish, institute, renew, set up,
confirm, introduce, repair, support,
continue, legalize, restore, sustain.
enact, promote,
* * * * *
ABOMINATION.
Synonyms:
abhorrence, curse, hatred, plague,
abuse, detestation, horror, shame,
annoyance, disgust, iniquity, villainy,
aversion, evil, nuisance, wickedness.
crime, execration, offense,
_Abomination_ (from the L. _ab omen_, a thing of ill omen) was
originally applied to anything held in religious or ceremonial
_aversion_ or _abhorrence_; as, "The things which are highly esteemed
among men are _abomination_ in the sight of God." _Luke_ xvi, 15. The
word is oftener applied to the object of such _aversion_ or _abhorrence_
than to the state of mind that so regards it; in common use
_abomination_ signifies something very much disliked or loathed, or that
deserves to be. Choice food may be an object of _aversion_ and _disgust_
to a sick person; vile food would be an _abomination_. A toad is to many
an object of _disgust_; a foul sewer is an _abomination_. As applied to
crimes, _abomination_ is used of such as are especially brutal,
shameful, or revolting; theft is an _offense_; infanticide is an
_abomination_.
Antonyms:
affection, blessing, enjoyment, joy,
appreciation, delight, esteem, satisfaction,
approval, desire, gratification, treat.
benefit,
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